The Battle for the Blue Ox held in Brainerd promises to be a great Bantam AA affair.  Several great teams head north (and a couple south) to get their hands on the Blue Ox traveling trophy built and designed for the championship team.

The Ox has unique first round "win and move right" format.  The winners Friday advance to the right into the Blue (winners) Bracket and the losers head left into the White (losers) Bracket.  The tournament is seeded according to YHH rankings two weeks ago.

In addition to great hockey, the tournament will feature a Pasta Feed Friday night with several great prizes raffled off and the announcement of the YHH Bantam Player of the Year Watch List. An article with the players will be released after the banquet Friday night on YHH.

First Round Games

Some great first round games for Friday are set.

Grand Rapids vs. Eden Prairie

The Call: Eden Prairie has a star studded squad that has played some great hockey in spurts.  The ThunderHawks have struggled so far, but have a great group of players that could surprise EP if they aren't careful. EP will advance.

Centennial vs. Jefferson

The Call: On paper Centennial looks to be a little stronger than Jefferson.  The Jags found a spark on Sunday against Eden Prairie and nearly surprised the Eagles at the end.  The Cougars played Elk River tough Wednesday.  Centennial by a goal.

Hermantown vs. Eastview

The Call: Hermantown has played a very tough schedule to start the season, playing some of the best teams in the Metro.  Eastview has a lot of talent and will give Hermantown a first round test on Friday. Hawks by a couple.

Rosemount vs. Prior Lake

The Call: Prior Lake comes to Brainerd undefeated loaded with a great team this weekend.  Don't be fooled by the loss of a couple nice second year players Kevin Fellows and Scott Reedy, the Lakers have a great chance to bring the Ox home.  Lakers advance right.

Elk River vs. Brainerd

The Call: The Elks are 4-0 in Minnesota and played great in the Nike Bauer tournament in Chicago at the U16 level.  This great team will be get by the host Warriors by a few goals.  

Edina vs. Lakeville North

The Call: This is the High School Bowl.  The Panthers lose Nick Poehling and Henry Enebak to the Varsity and unconfirmed reports to YHH say the Hornets have lost Calvin Pugh, Lewis Crosby and Jack Lagerstrom to area Varsity teams as well. The talent strength weighs heavier toward Edina.  Hornets by a couple.

St. Cloud vs. Minnetonka

The Call: The Skippers have a great young team that has played very well out of the gates so far.  They better not overlook St. Cloud, they have a great squad this year. UPSET SPECIAL: YHH says St. Cloud will catch the Skippers napping and surprise.

STMA vs. Bemidji

The Call: This is a coin flip game. Very similar teams.  Both are strong up front and have talented players on the blue line.  The difference in this low scoring affair will be goaltending.  Knights by a goal.

Final 8

Eden Prairie vs. Centennial (EP)
Hermantown vs. Prior Lake (PL…rematch of PWA state championship in 2012)
Elk River vs. Edina (ER)
St. Cloud vs. STMA (STMA…D5 Grudge Match)

Final 4

Prior Lake vs. EP (EP)
Elk River vs. STMA (ER)

Championship

Eden Prairie vs. EP (EP)

Champion: Eden Prairie can win this tournament if it can finish off all 4 four opponents.  They have yet to play a complete game, they will have to in Brainerd to bring home the Ox.